The Tortoise and the Hare

by Cindy R. Williams

We are cautioned to not run faster than is needful.

The story of the Tortoise and the Hare fit my husband and I. He is the even keeled tortoise, accomplishing things a good steady pace. Willing to set aside his work and rest when needed.

I am the frantic hare running as fast as I can to fit in a million things I have scheduled then finally after a few weeks crashing with exhaustion or illness.

The other night I was counseling with the wise tortoise admitting that I am overwhelmed and feeling a burn out coming on.  He looked at me a moment thinking, then with a twinkle in his eye he said . . .

"You can't efficient yourself out of overwhelmness."   (Sure overwhelmness isn't a word, but it sure works here.)

He added one more important point, "You are doing too much and need to let some things go."

I also received counsel that it is okay to take a few minutes to ponder things before saying "yes" to a new commitment and sometimes the right answer is "No."

And just like that, the Tortoise revealed the big secret of sanity.